REMPEC Hosts Regional Webinar on Ballast Water Management to Strengthen Maritime Environmental Protection – Nov 13, 2025

    REMPEC Hosts Regional Webinar on Ballast Water Management to Strengthen Maritime Environmental Protection

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    The Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC) successfully organized a two-day regional webinar on Ballast Water Management (BWM) on 11 and 12 November 2025, bringing together maritime administrations, port authorities, technical experts, and industry stakeholders from across the Mediterranean region, which was financed by the Mediterranean Trust Fund (MTF).

    The webinar formed part of REMPEC’s continuing efforts to support the effective implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) and the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Strategy for the Mediterranean Sea (2022-2027). With increasing numbers of vessels operating under ballast water regulations, the webinar served as a timely platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and address persistent challenges in preventing the introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens into the marine environment.

    Over the course of two interactive sessions, over 47 participants from 13 out of 22 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention received updates on the latest regulatory developments, compliance monitoring, risk-assessment methodologies, and technological solutions for ballast water treatment. Presentations were delivered by international experts, research institutions, and specialized service providers. Contracting Parties also shared their national experiences in implementing the Convention and highlighted regional cooperation needs.

    The Webinar emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement, harmonized port State control procedures, and the availability of reliable reception and treatment technologies. Participants expressed strong interest in further capacity building, particularly in relation to sampling and analysis procedures, data reporting, and regional coordination mechanisms.

    REMPEC reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Mediterranean countries in meeting their obligations under the BWM Convention and in strengthening preparedness to address risks associated with ballast water operations. REMPEC will continue to support technical cooperation initiatives, training activities, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that contribute to protecting the marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea.

    Learn more

    Presentations delivered during the Webinar;

    Read more about Ballast Water Management.